A COMMUNITY centre is to close it's doors this weekend after serving residents in East Manchester for almost 28 years.

Openshaw Community Centre on Ashton Old Road has housed numerous community groups over the years but spiralling rents have forced organisers to call it a day.

The building, used by local groups including the Feelgood Factor, a Friday night youth club and an Over 50s Club, closed for the final time last Saturday.

Treasurer Val Hargreaves said: "We're all very sad to see the centre close, but to be honest none of us are getting any younger and we haven't got the resources to find the money we need to keep it going."

"There are several repairs that need doing, but we like to say it's held together with sticky tape and love."

After the centre's five year lease ran out, the city council offered the tenants a shorter two and a half year contract, but following its recent expiry the council's valuations department has increased the rent from £1,400 to £5,000 per year.

Val added: "We've had no grants from the council for the past couple of years, because we thought there was enough money in our account to cover the running costs for the next five years, but the increase is too much."

The centre is run by volunteers, many of whom have been there since it opened in 1976.

But Val claims there is little interest from local people with regard to taking it over, and that the more elderly committee members are ready for a break.

She said: "Younger people don't want to know, and we've all done it for a long time now, so it's time for us to step down."

Secretary Sheila Smith has also worked at the centre since it opened, she added: "We've had some great times, and there are many happy memories we'll take with us, it's a tragedy really."

"I feel as though the council have ripped us off, because we've always paid our rent on time."

Mrs Smith pointed out that although most community groups who meet regularly at the centre have found alternative accomodation, a void will be left for groups wanting to hold less frequent residents' and homewatch meetings at the centre.

She said: "Despite all the development going on around us, it's as though the heart of the community has stopped beating."

Her husband, Councillor John Smith, added: "The problem is the building will be left derelict, attracting all sorts of anti social behaviour."

"I can't understand why the council wouldn't want to continue to receive the original fee of £1,400 rather than waste money keeping it secure and vandal-free whilst it stands empty."

A spokesman from Manchester City Council's valuation department was not available for comment.